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Athens with Kids (and big kids)

Athens with kids: Think Athens is all about the Acropolis? Think again because Nico grew up here and has insider knowledge of all the best places. Here’s our ‘not so secret’ insider guide to the city.

Family Fun

Athens with Kids. Did you know there are great beaches in Athens, so you get a city break and a cheeky beach break all at once? We spent time at the Varkiza Resort where for a reasonable price you get lovely loungers, great drinks and snacks. Most of all we felt welcome with the children which is always our top priority.

To let the kids run off steam there are lots of fantastic parks and they are great places to watch locals hang out. At the National Garden the children loved the fact that turtles roam around and Nico’s mum lives close by and often has them in the gardens of her apartment!

Varkiza Resort beach Athens

A visit to Athens ZooAttica Park is worthwhile and the monkeys are definitely the stars of the show, but be warned they do like to get close up and friendly. If you’d rather keep the animals at a safe distance, then we recommend the fantastic dolphin show.

Cheeky lemur monkeys at Athens Zoo

History seekers

Soldier bust – Acropolis Museum

We don’t need to tell you that the Acropolis, the Acropolis museum and the Parthenon are a must see and these are much more fun for children than standard museums because they can explore and climb around which let’s face it kids always enjoy!

Odeon of Herodes Atticus viewed from the Acropolis site Athens

Athens Parthenon

For something different the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre in Athens is a truly impressive building with use of large wide-open spaces – designed to bring people together like a city – and has its own library and artificial canal and huge formal gardens.

The library has English books and a children’s play and reading area. Pianos are dotted around the place, with talented musicians having a go and there’s a lovely rooftop café and with telescopes to look at the views across the city. We didn’t find this to be the most family friendly destination as it was a little stuffy – but well worth a visit for the views alone.

Views from the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre

Foodie Heaven

Okay, stop the search because you’ll find the best burger you’ll ever eat in Athens. Hot Hot burger bar is a simple street food stall in the Centre of town and it always has customers queuing outside – always a great sign. It’s cheap and it’s messy but you won’t regret it and besides all the cool kids go here!

Love ice cream? Little Kook is a much more than an ice cream parlour – it’s emporium. Fantastical, magical and quirky décor combine with amazing ice creams so it’s absolutely, not to be missed.

Little Kook Cafe Athens

The central market offers proper food for die hard foodies and is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. There are a loads of specialist Agora (markets) to visit in Athens if food shopping and tasting are your thing.

Agora market for proper foodies

Bar Goals

Athens really does know how to do great bars and cafes and Baba Au rum is one of the top bars in the world. The Devil’s Milk cocktail is to die for as each sip is spicy, sour and sweet. The guys who run it are super cool and friendly and the kids enjoyed lovely mocktails.

Another great spot is Noel Bar which offers customers Christmas all year round. Wonderfully festive, totally over the top but brilliant fun for kids and big kids alike.

Devil’s Milk at Baba au Rum – truly the best cocktail we’ve tasted

All in all, Athens really does have something for everyone. I hope our family explorations have inspired you to visit one day!